Two questions for those of us who long for silence, solitude and simplicity. How do we know that we are really certain of this longing, and how do we satisfy it? I can’t answer for anyone else, but here are my thoughts and the action I’ve taken.First of all, here are signs indicating that yes, I really long for the 3Ss? I retreat to my Angel Room: I say no to invitations that suggest socializing that is noisy, chatty, and apt to send me down an unnecessarily complicated path: I am elated when I have a day (or better still, days) free of plans, obligations or conversation; and, I find myself planning ways to get away to Florence again so I can wander the city by myself.That’s precisely what I have done today—not just planned but made a flight reservation and apartment rental for January 10-23. Why not experience the city in the mid winter, a winter that won’t be as cold, dark or snowy the New England one I will be leaving.I miss the cottage where I would spend four or five days alone, not talking to a soul. Living in Florence for two weeks is another comforting solution to this longing. Making the plan answers both questions. Yes, I have the longing; Florence in January satisfies it.P.S. My husband, who has many projects going on, says he can use the silence, solitude and simplicity as well—as long as I leave meals on his shelf in the freezer. Very grateful all around.